Few animals are capable of conveying the poise and elegance that horses convey, whose physical appearance makes this animal one of the most beautiful, moreover, people who are used to interacting with the equine world know that the bond that can be created between a horse and a person can be unique and also therapeutic.
As always happens, an impeccable appearance reflects something much more important than mere aesthetic issues, it reflects an optimal state of he alth, which not only implies the absence of diseases but also perfect nutrition and adapted to the characteristics horse individual.
One of the problems that can be frequent in the equine world is little weight gain, so in this article we try to clarify Why my horse does not gain weight ? With quality and effective solutions.
Normal weight in horses
In order to properly assess whether the horse suffers from an alteration in its weight, it is necessary to know what the normal body weight parameters are in the equine world. The different horse breeds can be divided into 3 groups, each group having a weight range considered adequate:
- Heavy or draft horses: 700 - 1000 kg.
- Light or saddle horses: 380 - 550 kg.
- Ponis and miniature breeds: 150 - 360 kg.
If the horse is not within the body weight that corresponds to it according to its breed, we must worry about its he alth and rule out the possible factors that were causing this growth alteration.
Necessary feed for a horse
If a horse does not gain weight, it will be a priority check its diet as it may not be suitable or sufficient, as it is the nutrition is the main factor that acts on the body weight of equines.
The horse is characterized by having a delicate digestive system but it is perfectly prepared for grazing, this being the main way of feeding the horse, although in addition to good quality grass, the horse will also need hay and nutritional supplements in those cases in which the body's requirements vary, as for example happens to pregnant mares.
The amount of daily feed a horse needs will vary depending on multiple factors such as gender, breed, climate, size, exercise… etc.
However, we can offer a generic guideline: a horse needs to eat 2-3% of its body weight daily, so for a 400 kilo horse, 8 to 12 kilos of food would be needed daily and it is suggested that it should be made up of 60% forage and 40% feed.
Parasites in the horse
It is important to deworm equines periodically because if the horse does not gain weight it may be due to the presence of parasites, since an external or internal affectation occurs.
One of the parasites that specifically affects the digestive system and can cause anorexia and decreased growth is the bottom fly or gastrophilic parasite.
In the cycle of this parasite, the larval phase can damage the horse's he alth. We will observe signs of infestation at the oral level, where we will notice inflammation of the oral mucosa, the gums and the inner part of the lips., ulcers and excessive salivation.
This clinical picture, also known as stomatitis, will make it difficult for our horse to eat, but if the infestation is not treated in time, this parasite can even cause obstructions or stomach perforations.
Poisoning due to ingestion of toxic plants
There are numerous toxic plants for horses, some are so lethal that they can cause the death of the animal in a short time, on the other hand, others, although they are dangerous, give us a greater margin of time to be able to act and restore the horse's he alth.
Ingestion of this type of plant causes loss of appetite, in addition to the following symptoms:
- Loss of balance
- Drowsiness
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Excessive salivation
- Apathy
- Edemas
- Rashes
If you observe any of these symptoms in your horse you should Go urgently to the vet.
Pathological conditions
When a horse does not gain weight there are multiple underlying pathologies that may be causing this disorder, therefore, it is important to identify any signs of visible disease in the horse.
The following signs indicate that the horse is sick and should make us think that it may be a pathological alteration that is causing loss of appetite and growth disorders:
- Heart Rate
- Accelerated respiratory rate
- Immobility
- Inability to walk
- Small stools
- Liquid stool
- Abnormal colored urine
- Limp
- Dejection
- Sadness
- Dull Fur
- Blank eyes
- Dull eyes
- Sweating
- Concern
- Head down
If, in addition to observing that our horse is not gaining weight, we notice some of the signs mentioned above, it will be of vital importance carry out a veterinary checkup since it will be a priority to act on the underlying cause.
What to do if my horse does not gain weight?
Each horse requires individualized attention since there are multiple factors that must be analyzed in order to offer an adequate resolution to this problem of growth, however it is important that you take into account the following tips:
- You must go to the vet as soon as possible so that he can rule out any type of underlying pathology
- The horse must have enough good quality forage
- It is important to deworm the animal frequently
- The veterinarian will indicate if it is necessary to enrich the diet with nutritional supplements
By offering an appropriate response and treatment for your horse, it will be able to reach an optimal weight and have an impeccable appearance.
